French title

Chassis no. 9113600461 Engine no. 6630259

From the collection of André Cadiou, a gentleman driver from the Sarthe

 

- One of the first 500 built

- Attractive, high-quality older restoration

- Original ‘Tangerine’ colour

- No reserve

 

The Carrera RS 2.7 made its world début at the Paris Motor Show in 1972. It was designed to be homologated in Group 4 and therefore benefitted from several weight-saving measures, a 210bhp engine and aerodynamic features including the famous ‘ducktail’ rear spoiler. Its success exceeded its manufacturer’s expectations since the total of 500 examples required had been reached by the end of the show. Altogether, more than 1500 cars were built, and the model evolved in response to innovations and regulations, maintaining a tradition of ‘customer competition’ models to which few makes can lay claim.

This example is one of the first 500 built for homologation in Group 4. According to the records, this Touring version (M472) left the factory in December 1972 and was registered on 8 February the following year. Finished in ‘Tangerine’ (ref. 2323), it had front sports seats (option code 409) upholstered in leatherette and Perlon velour. It was collected directly from the factory by its first, German owner. It was, moreover, in Germany that the famous dealer Pierre Landreau found the car, before selling it in 2002 to Michel Seydoux, a connoisseur and lover of fine cars. The car had already been fitted with the engine from an older example (chassis no. 235) and had just undergone a complete, high-quality restoration, as was confirmed to us by Seydoux, who brought it home in third place on the Rallye du Maroc in 2003 and then finished second the following year. “This car gave me a lot of pleasure: it was fast and never broke down”, he told us. In 2007, André Cadiou became its owner, buying it in exchange for the Porsche 964 3.8 RSR which had won its category at the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 1993! A keen driver, he then took part in the Rallye du Maroc and in numerous outings with the French Porsche Club RS, covering more than 20,000km with it. Regularly maintained, the car has remained in superb condition, with a discreet patina. The original fuel tank has been replaced, and the bucket seats and old door cards will be supplied with the car. It was last serviced by Porsche in 2018; it has been driven little since and has just been given the usual checks by Alfredo Sampaio. Still kitted out with its regularity equipment, this attractive 2.7 RS needs only a new driver to tackle the most prestigious events.

Andre Cadiou collection, gentleman driver from Sarthe

 

As a great car enthusiast, a demanding collector and above all, a passionate driver, Andrew Cadiou was a well-liked figure in the industry. In order to combine his passion for driving, motorsport and classic cars, he patiently built his ideal collection made up of carefully selected and complementary models, all ready to hit the road or the track in any circumstances.

From the Transemirates to the Rally of Morocco, passing through the Tour de France Auto or the Targa Florio Revival, Andre Cadiou was not the type to leave his cars at the back of the garage: 20,000 km in the 2.7 RS and 40,000 km in the 275 GTB… with servicing accordingly. Every choice was justified by his sharp knowledge: the 2.7 RS, exchanged for the 964 RSR that won its category at the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 1993, was one of the first 500 examples assembled for homologation; purchased when he actually came to inspect a Daytona, the 275 GTB was one of 93 examples with an aluminium bodywork; the 365 GT/4 BB (French since new) was directly inspired by the sports prototypes of that era; and even the Alpine was the penultimate example of a limited series of 100 units!

When asked in 2000 about the choice of his 365 GT/4 BB for the Tour of Spain, he replied: “Indeed, I initially entered the Ferrari 275 with which I took part in the Targa Florio Revival. But it’s a fairly fragile car. I then entered my Jaguar E-Type but I changed my mind again, thinking the 365 GT/4 BB was better suited to the heat of Andalusia. It’s an exceptional car to drive, easier than the E-Type and even the 275. I like mid-engine GTs, they are lively machines and very enjoyable to drive”. Handling discretion and humour as well as the steering wheel, he had a great deal of happiness when using his cars, far more than owning or admiring them. Andre Cadiou passed away in 2012 and today, his cars are just waiting to find new knowledgeable hands to be used carefully for their primary purpose: to go fast.

Photos © Kevin Van Campenhout